SINGAPORE: The Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has found that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) did not account for about S$1.02 million in visa fees collected overseas between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2024.
According to the AGO’s Financial Year 2024/25 report released on 9 September 2025, the shortfall arose from visa fees collected by Singapore’s Honorary Consuls-General and Honorary Consuls (HCGs/HCs), which were not recorded as government revenue.
Although MFA had previously allowed consuls to retain the fees to cover their operating costs, AGO stressed that such monies are still classified as public funds under the Financial Procedure Act 1966. The report highlighted the need for proper recording and transparency.
Findings from the audit
AGO’s audit reviewed visa fee collection, manpower expenditure, imprests and advances, and one overseas mission.
Among these areas, visa fee management stood out as the most significant concern.
The report noted that HCGs and HCs, who are private individuals appointed to represent Singapore in countries without full diplomatic missions, had been retaining visa fees directly.
These individuals provide consular services on a voluntary basis and do not receive salaries or honoraria from the government.
MFA had previously reasoned that the sums collected were relatively small, and that the administrative burden of recording them would outweigh the benefit. However, AGO underscored that all public money must be accounted for, regardless of scale.
MFA’s response
In its reply, MFA acknowledged that it had not adequately accounted for visa fees collected by HCGs/HCs.
It explained that the retained funds had been used to offset consular operating expenses, which were estimated to exceed the visa revenue for Financial Year 2024/25.
The ministry stated that, in substance, no net public funds were lost, as the consuls had borne costs greater than the collected amounts. Nonetheless, it accepted AGO’s recommendation and committed to strengthening oversight.
MFA added that it is reviewing its accounting practices for consular visa fees.
Legislative amendments to the Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Fees) Order 2012 are also under consideration to clarify the proper treatment of such funds.
AGO stressed that compliance with financial procedures is mandatory, even if collected revenue appears modest compared with operating costs. The office emphasised that transparent and consistent handling of public funds is essential for accountability.
The report reiterated that maintaining strict adherence to financial rules helps preserve trust in the management of government resources.
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